Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, has initiated contact with Barcelona regarding a potential transfer for one of their standout players.
The move comes as City aim to bolster their squad following a challenging 2024/2025 season, where they finished third in the Premier League, trailing champions Liverpool by 18 points.
With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure and a shock Club World Cup exit, Guardiola is keen to reinforce his team with top talent to reclaim their dominance in both domestic and European competitions.
The player in question is Jules Koundé, the versatile French defender who has been a key figure for Barcelona since joining from Sevilla in 2021.
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Manchester City have made inquiries about the 26-year-old, whose contract with Barcelona runs until 2027.
Koundé’s ability to play as both a right-back and a central defender makes him an attractive prospect for Guardiola, who values tactical flexibility.
The interest emerges as Barcelona negotiate a contract extension with Koundé, but City’s inquiry could tempt the defender to consider a Premier League move.
Barcelona’s financial situation adds intrigue to the potential transfer. Despite their efforts to retain key players like Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal with new deals, the club’s ongoing economic challenges may force them to consider offers for high-value assets.
Koundé, valued for his technical ability and defensive solidity, could command a significant fee, potentially easing Barcelona’s financial burdens.
However, manager Hansi Flick reportedly views Koundé as integral to his plans, which could complicate negotiations.
Manchester City’s pursuit of Koundé aligns with their strategy of targeting proven talent from top European clubs.
While no deal is confirmed, the coming weeks will be crucial as City aim to secure Koundé’s signature ahead of rivals like Chelsea and Arsenal, who have also been linked with the defender.
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